Mexican Supreme Court Delays Cannabis Hearing

Published
October 29, 2015

Mexico’s Supreme Court has postponed a landmark hearing on marijuana that could eventually help pave the way for cannabis legalization in the country.

The court was scheduled to begin discussions this week on a recommendation from a judge to allow members of a particular group – the Mexican Society for Tolerant and Responsible Personal Use – to grow and use cannabis for their own consumption.

Judges decided to push back the discussion to as early as next week, though it could be later, according to Agence France-Presse.

A vote in favor of the recommendation would have few immediate business implications. But it would advance marijuana legalization efforts in a large country beset by drug cartel violence and lower barriers for a broader cannabis program down the road that could open doors for businesses.

The case has riveted the nation of 122 million people, and dozens of legalization supporters had reportedly gathered outside Mexico City’s historic court building, before being told the hearing would not be held.